Certification Glossary

Welcome to the CertificationsList.com Glossary — your quick reference for certification acronyms, exam terms, and key organizations. Use the A–Z index below to jump directly to the certification or organization you’re looking for.

A–Z Index

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

A

A+ (CompTIA A+) – Entry-level IT certification covering hardware, software, and troubleshooting.
APICS (Association for Supply Chain Management) – Organization offering supply chain certifications like CSCP.
AWS (Amazon Web Services Certification) – Cloud certifications covering architecture, security, and DevOps.

B

Blockchain Certifications – Covering blockchain development, cryptocurrency, and distributed ledger technology.
Blue Prism Certification – Focused on robotic process automation (RPA).

C

CASP+ (CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner) – Advanced security certification for technical pros.
CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) – Highly respected certification for investment and finance professionals.
CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) – Specializes in fraud detection and prevention.
CISA (Certified Information Systems Auditor) – ISACA certification in IT audit and assurance.
CISM (Certified Information Security Manager) – ISACA certification for security management.
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) – ISC² gold-standard cybersecurity credential.
Cloud+ (CompTIA Cloud+) – Validates multi-cloud infrastructure skills.
CPA (Certified Public Accountant) – State-regulated certification for accountants.
CRISC (Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control) – ISACA certification in risk management.
CSM (Certified ScrumMaster) – Agile project management certification.
Cisco (Cisco Systems) – Organization behind CCNA, CCNP, and CCIE networking certifications.
CompTIA (Computing Technology Industry Association) – Body behind A+, Network+, Security+, and CASP+.

D

Docker Certifications – Focus on containerization, orchestration, and DevOps skills.

E

EC-Council – Organization offering CEH, CHFI, and other ethical hacking certifications.
EDX / Coursera / Udemy – Platforms providing training for professional certifications.

F

FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) – Governs securities certifications like Series 7.

G

GCP (Google Cloud Platform Certification) – Covers Google’s cloud technologies.
GIAC (Global Information Assurance Certification) – Security certification body offering GSEC, GCIH, etc.
GSE (GIAC Security Expert) – Elite-level cybersecurity certification.

H

HR Certifications (SHRM-CP, SHRM-SCP, HRCI PHR/SPHR) – Professional HR credentials.

I

ISC² (International Information System Security Certification Consortium) – Body behind CISSP, CCSP, SSCP.
ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association) – Body behind CISA, CISM, CRISC, CGEIT.
ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) – IT service management framework.

M

MBA (Master of Business Administration) – Advanced business degree.
Microsoft Certifications – Covering Azure, Microsoft 365, Dynamics, and security.
MOS (Microsoft Office Specialist) – Validates skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint.

N

Network+ (CompTIA Network+) – Entry-level networking certification.
National Board Certification (NBPTS) – Advanced teaching credential for K–12 teachers.

O

Oracle Certifications – Covering databases, Java, and cloud infrastructure.

P

PMP (Project Management Professional) – PMI’s globally recognized project management certification.
PMI (Project Management Institute) – Organization behind PMP, CAPM, PgMP, PMI-ACP.
PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) – Structured project management methodology.
PgMP (Program Management Professional) – PMI certification for managing multiple projects.

R

Reading Specialist Certification – Literacy-focused teaching certification.
RHCSA/RHCE (Red Hat Certifications) – Linux and systems administration certifications.

S

Security+ (CompTIA Security+) – Entry-level cybersecurity certification.
SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) – Offers SHRM-CP and SHRM-SCP certifications.
Six Sigma (Green, Black, Master Black Belt) – Quality management and process improvement certifications.
Splunk Certifications – Analytics and monitoring certifications for Splunk users.

T

TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) – Certification for teaching English to non-native speakers.
TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) – Widely recognized ESL teaching certification.
TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) – Enterprise architecture framework and certification.

V

VMware Certifications (VCP, VCAP, VCDX) – Cover virtualization and cloud infrastructure.

Organizations to Know

CompTIA – A+, Network+, Security+, Cloud+, CASP+
ISC² – CISSP, CCSP, SSCP
ISACA – CISA, CISM, CRISC, CGEIT
PMI – PMP, CAPM, PgMP, PMI-ACP
EC-Council – CEH, CHFI, ECSA
Cisco – CCNA, CCNP, CCIE
Axelos – ITIL, PRINCE2

Note

This glossary is updated regularly to include the most relevant certifications and organizations across IT, cybersecurity, business, finance, education, and healthcare.

Looking for something specific? Use our search bar or check out our Certification Guides for detailed breakdowns.